Beargrass Honors Fran Dick as Elder EmeritaBy Mike Puckett

May 17 was a special day in worship for our church family. Not only were all new Deacons and Elders ordained through the laying-on of hands, but we recognized and celebrated one very special servant-leader in our congregation. Fran Dick was honored as Elder Emerita, one of the highest honors that Beargrass can bestow on one of its faithful. Consideration for this honor includes displaying a life which has demonstrated Christian concern, honesty and integrity; the unselfish devotion of one’s time and talent to God, our church and community; and extended service, with distinction, to Beargrass and our Board.

Coincidentally, Fran celebrates her 50th anniversary at Beargrass this year. She was born to Ronald (honored as Elder Emeritus here in the early 1990s) and Barbara Croddy in Madison, Indiana in 1951. The family relocated to Louisville in 1956 and first attended Crescent Hill Christian Church. As many of us can relate, they were prompted to begin attending Beargrass in 1965 due to its strong youth program. By then, the Croddy family consisted of Fran, her brother, Gary, and sister, Jan. The family’s impact would be strongly felt in the coming half-century, especially given that Fran soon began dating Terry Dick, who is likewise a longtime Elder now.

Fran attended college at UK, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics in 1973. A year later she and Terry were married at Beargrass and soon became Deacons. The birth of their daughter, Terrianne, (also currently an Elder) followed in 1981. Fran’s working career has been split between retail management and an entrepreneurial venture. She was the first female store manager at Consolidated Sales, and followed her time there in management at Zayre’s and Target. In 2001, she started Frantastic Designs, a custom sewing business, which participated in countless Homearamas. During her professional years Fran was active in Junior Achievement, Exploited Children’s Help Organization, and Women in Networking, of which she became president.

While Fran has left a considerable mark in her business career, her greatest passion always has been reserved for her family and her church. There is probably no wife and husband who have spent more hours in service at Beargrass over the past five decades than Fran and Terry. Consider that both sang in the choir at 11 am worship for almost four decades, while also serving in various capacities at 9 am; during the 80s and 90s they co-led Chi Rho Sunday School; and during Terrianne’s years in our youth program, they were youth sponsors. They have likewise been active in the Agape Sunday School class, which Fran has served as president, for 35 years.

Regarding Fran’s personal faith journey, she has served our church at the highest level. In 2003 she agreed to serve as Vice Chair of our Official Board, and followed a year later as Chair. Fran has led and served on countless committees of the Board over the years, as well as participating in Disciples Women’s Ministries, for which she is also a past president. She was instrumental in creating and supplying banners and communion table linens for our worship space in years past.

Fran and the example she has provided all of us for serving have been inspirational, as well as blessings to our church family. She has obviously inspired her own family in the same way. Grandchildren Emery and Ella are now 4th generation Beargrassers and are in the pews every Sunday. Terrianne calls Fran an amazing mother (and Nana too), and informs us: “The most precious gift she ever gave me was this church. I love this church with my whole being and I know she does too!” What a testament to motherhood, to Fran’s love for God, and to her service to God and God’s people. We thank you, celebrate you, and salute you, Fran, as our most recent Beargrass Elder Emerita!

Worship Regularly ♦ Grow Intentionally ♦ Serve Generously

Beargrass News

Volume 8, Number 6 beargrass ChristiaN ChurCh (DisCiples of Christ) JuNe/July 2015

Page 2 Beargrass News

Congratulations to Our Graduates!

High School GraduatesMary Boyd Crosier, of Atlanta, daughter of Rick and

Ashley Crosier, scored a perfect 2400 on the SAT, and was valedictorian of her class with a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of the Ronald McDonald House Teen Board, captain of the cross country team, and serves on the leadership team of Girls Empowering for Relationships, Leadership and Service. She will attend the University of Virginia. Mary is the granddaughter of Jean Crosier.

Peyton Cuzzart, grandson of Judi Johnson, gradu-ated from Ballard High School and will attend Centre Col-lege in the fall.

Wes Ethington, son of Roberta Ethington and Todd Ethington, graduated from Eastern High School. He at-tended Camp Wakon’ da-Ho and went on mission trips each year. He served as a Deacon and Youth Coun-cil member and took part in Youth Sunday. At Eastern High School, Wes was on the Lacrosse Team freshman year and tutored elementary students. He won the Matt Berman Short FIlm Award at the Kentucky Youth Film Festival. Wes will attend Northern Kentucky University.

Connor Ewing, son of James and Nancy Ewing, and grandson of Carol and the late Chris Smith, gradu-ated from New Albany High School. Connor was involved with JYF, Chi Rho, and CYF at Beargrass and attended church camps, mission trips (Guatemala), and ski trips. He served as a Youth Deacon and Youth Elder. Connor played cello with the Praise Band. At New Albany High School Connor was in ROTC and played the cello in the orchestra. He received the Harvest Homecoming Schol-arship to the university of his choice. Connor will major in computer science at Ivy Tech and then transfer to the University of Louisville.

Molly Farnau, daughter of Cheryl and Richard Far-nau, graduated from Seneca High School. She will attend the University of Kentucky in the fall.

Katherine Hance, daughter of Dodi and Steve Hance, graduated from Mercy Academy where she was on the swim team. At Beargrass she has been in youth group, plays, choir, and handbells. In Girl Scouts, she has earned the Bronze and Silver Awards and is working on her Gold.

Morgan Mercker, daughter of Kim and Dale Mer-cker, graduated from Male High School. She has been a Youth Elder at Beargrass, attended youth group and church camp and mission trips. Morgan was co-president of church camp. At Male High School she was on the soc-cer team, Pep Club, and FBLA. Morgan will attend the University of Kentucky in the fall to study communications.

Connor Perkins, son of Ann and Dave Perkins, grad-uated from North Oldham High School. Connor has been a student intern at Beargrass this year which we have greatly appreciated. He is the senior representative for Youth Council and active in various youth events. Connor gave the message on Youth Sunday. At North Oldham, Connor was busy with FCA, Beta Club, Do Something Club, and Varsity Tennis. He has won academic awards in World History and Algebra as well as a letter for varsity tennis. Connor is an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow Brotherhood. He won the Major Alex Hotel Award for Junior Leadership. Connor will attend Lib-erty University in the fall and plans on majoring in Pastoral Leadership with a minor in New Testament Studies.

Kyle Willinger, son of Mike and Kathy Willinger, grad-uated from Christian Academy of Louisville. At Beargrass Kyle has been on mission trips and served as Youth Dea-con and Youth Elder. He volunteered with VBS and other activities and played violin at various services. At Chris-tian Academy he was in the orchestra and on the honor roll. Kyle will attend the University of Louisville in the fall.

College GraduatesMarie Buckingham graduated from Columbia Uni-

versity with a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Public Policy. Marie is the granddaughter of Ann Buckingham.

Rachel Farris Elliott graduated with her Master’s in Elementary Education. She received the Chuck Thomp-son Award for Outstanding Student Teacher. Rachel’s husband is Keith Elliott. She is the daughter of Clayton and Donna Farris.

Matthew Flanagan, son of Lisa Korfhage Flanagan and Neil Flanagan of Ridgefield, Connecticut, gradu-ated from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. He is the grandson of Jean Korfhage.

Savannah Grunewald graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Inter-national Business and Marketing. She is the daughter of Fred and Debbie Grunewald and the granddaughter of Art and Suzy Grunewald.

Nora Jane Montgomery, daughter of Guy and Libby Montgomery, graduated from Appalachian State Univer-sity with a Master’s degree in Appalachian Studies.

Natalie Rechter, daughter of Dan and Jane Rechter, graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bach-elor of Arts in Psychology with honors.

Robert Rouse, son of Ken and Sue Rouse, gradu-ated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Computer Science.

Dr. Tova Yoast-Hull, daughter of Dr. John Hull and Dr. Caryn Yoast, graduates this year with a PhD in Phys-ics from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Tova will defend her dissertation “Cosmic Ray Interactions in Star-bursting Galaxies” this summer and participated in gradu-ation in May. Tova is applying for post-doctoral research positions and will present papers this summer in Sweden and the Netherlands.

Beargrass News Page 3

New Beargrass Refugee FamilyScheduled for Arrival

By Mike Puckett

In 2014 the family of Yuri Hernandez was able to emigrate from Cuba after a lifetime of political and eco-nomic oppression. On May 9, 2014, Susan Teaford of Beargrass and the staff of Kentucky Refugee Ministries (KRM) welcomed them at the Louisville International Airport. In a conversation on their one-year anniversary of finding freedom in the US, Yuri reported the fam-ily is doing well. Yuri has worked as a laborer at Great Northern Building Products since August, while his wife, Daineris, has been employed in housekeeping at a downtown Marriott property since October. Jennifer, age 12, will enter Newburg Middle School this fall, and 6 year-old Jimmie will continue his schooling at Young Elementary. Yuri is quite proud of the fact the family recently purchased a second used vehicle and signed a new 6-month apartment lease. Upon any encounter, Yuri is quick to offer his gratitude for all Beargrass has contributed to their new lives here.

We announced two months ago that Beargrass will work alongside KRM in co-sponsoring its 10th refugee family in 2015. We just received the details of our new family, scheduled to arrive in Louisville in early to mid-June. Narin Abdeen Hamo is a 29 year-old widow born in Damascus, Syria. She has four young sons, ranging from 3 to 9 years old, all of whom were born in Aleppo. Narin is ethnically Kurdish and fled Syria with her family due to the violence there in April, 2013. Having received UN-sanctioned refugee status, they will be traveling from Turkey to the US through Church World Service (KRM is the local affiliate of CWS).

It is always exciting to learn the specifics of the family for whom we are preparing. With that said, there remains much to be done in preparation. Our first major chore will be to move furniture and set up their apart-ment once KRM has contracted for it. For the many of you who have already donated, thank you. If you still have home furnishings to donate, please contact KRM at 479-9180, ext. 523, or at donate@kyrm.org, for their truck to visit you. Any clothing contributions can be taken to the nearest Goodwill, who should be advised the donation is for KRM. Our family is awarded points for shopping at Goodwill under this arrangement.

Bob Gilewski has generously agreed to lead the Beargrass team devoted to this family, and is still looking for new team members. To offer your service or with any questions, Bob can be reached at 502-432-9968 or bobgskisaxman@yahoo.com, and I can be reached at 502-593-7148 or mike.t.puckett@gmail.com. Anyone involved with any of the previous nine families can share with you the wonder and the joy of helping these folks find safety, hope, and a new life here.

We found a new team member in the May 9 conver-sation with Yuri Hernandez referenced above. Yuri had

recently learned of our new co-sponsorship and after again voicing his appreciation for Beargrass, offered to join the 2015 team. That would seem to be the ultimate thank-you, as well as strong evidence that God is at work in the lives of our 2014 family!

Summer Reading Program

Come “Pop Open” a good book with us this summer at the Beargrass Library. All ages are welcome to partici-pate. You can register in the library on any Sunday. You can pick a prize from the Popcorn Bowl for each Bear-grass book read and returned. On August 9 we will give out prizes for the most books read in each category.

Beginning June 10, there will be a reading activity hour each Wednesday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 am in the library. Activities will include stories, crafts, treats, and time to check out books. The reading program will conclude on July 22.

A Change of Pace and SpaceBy Rev. Tiffany DeTienne

Summer is almost here; our students have been eagerly counting down the days to the end of the school year and let’s be honest––their teachers have been as well!

I know summer can be a very hectic time for you as a parent or guardian but I also want to remind you that the summer can be a huge spiritual catalyst in the lives of your children. There is something about the change of pace and space in the summer that allows them to focus on their faith and experience God in amazing ways. Over the course of the summer they have the opportunity to get involved in summer camp and our missions opportu-nities. They will have so many great experiences making new friends and reuniting with old friends as they invite God to be at work in and through them this summer. Those of you who have had the opportunity to grow up being involved in church camp and mission trip oppor-tunities can attest to the impact that those experiences have had on your lives. Many of your most spiritually-forming moments probably took place in the summer.

So what about those of us who are past our teen-age years? Is it too late for the summer to be a time of spiritual catalyst as well? No! Here are a few ideas on how you too can find a change of pace and space over the summer:

• Takearetreat.• Getinvolvedinanadultserviceormissions

opportunity. • Changearoundyourroutine;makespaceto pause and focus on God.• AskGodtohelpyouseewhereheisatwork

each day and then ask how you can be a part of it.

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDMasonic Home, KY

Permit No. 30 Mailed June 1, 2015

Beargrass Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)4100 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207(502) 896-1161 www.beargrass.org

Postal Carrier: Please deliver by June 2, 2015. Time-sensitive material.

New MembersBy Leigh Bond

It was marvelous to “officially” welcome Maureen “Mo” Pilkinton and her good friend, Matthew Johnson to the church family—we adopted them a long time ago and they have been extremely involved in the life of the church. Maureen is another “PK” and grew up as an active member of First Christian Church in Shelbyville where she still has strong ties. She and Matt have been participating in a wide variety of ministries at Beargrass, including our C-2 class and gatherings, volleyball, and helping being a part of our “transition” youth ministry team.

Donations to Beargrass By Marikeith Mercke

The following people made a donation to the memorial fund in memory of Robert Rosenkrans: Richard and Nancy Anderson, Margaret Stout, Lynn Hu, Roger and Dona Coates, Barton and Carol White, Denny and Michelle Myers, Randy and Kathy Long, Alice Beckham, Ann Northcutt, James R. West, Jr., Verna A. West, Curtis and Dorothy Grasso.

Mary Katherine Mather made a donation to the Memorial Fund in memory of Babs Devine.

The following people made a donation to the Memorial Fund in memory of James Graff: Ruthellen Reed, Linda Klein.

The following people made donations to the memorial fund in memory of Margartet “tutu” Roberts: Dean Ryan, Lillian Brewer, Barbara Knight, Joe F. Johnson.

Library NewsBy Jean Anderson

I will lift up my eyes to the hills. May help come from the Lord who made Heaven and earth. –Psalm 121:1-2

Please Mr. Panda by Steve Anthony was given in honor of Kenneth Francis Turner, son of Leigh and Chad Turner by the Library Committee.

New Books (Easy):Baking Day at Grandma’s by Anika DeniseThe Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

New Books (Fiction):Emma by Alexander McCall SmithRuth’s Journey by Donald McCraigCinnamon Roll Murder and Cherry Cheesecake

Murder by Joanne FlukeMemory Man by David BaldacciViolets Are Blue by James Patterson

New Books (Large Print):This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan TropperLand of Mango Sunsets by Dorothea Benton Frank

New Books (Non-Fiction)Is Christianity An Exclusive Club? by Rick Beck